SD rejects call to suspend Rock Church permit

San Diego officials have rejected the county grand jury’s call to suspend the Rock Church’s permit, disputing the group’s findings that the church should not have been permitted to open at its Liberty Station location.

Mayor Jerry Sanders, in a four-page response submitted to Superior Court Judge Robert Trentacosta, said the recommendations were “not warranted or reasonable.”

The 19-member panel that reviews local government issues began looking at the validity of the church’s land-use permit, which was granted in 2005, as a result of major traffic issues that have arose as the church has grown.

The church, founded by Rev. Miles McPherson, a former Chargers defensive back, relocated from a Serra Mesa location to Liberty Station in 2007. Since the move, the church’s attendance has grown from 9,000 to 12,000 congregants.

In a five-page report released in May, the grand jury discussed how the church was granted a permit in its current location.

“The grand jury believes the city issued a (permit) to a church in an educational zone in violation of these planning documents,” the grand jury said in a news release.

The city said in its response that while the plan that governs development in the area recommended an educational center, it did not prohibit other uses, including churches. The land’s zoning designation actually allows for a church, Sanders said.

Church officials said they have worked to address concerns, including increasing the number of traffic controllers and posting “No Rock Church Parking” on certain streets. They have also placed security staff and a tow truck in one of the lots to make sure that churchgoers park in assigned areas.

They said in a statement that they were pleased, but not surprised, by the city’s response.

“As for controlling church-generated traffic, the Rock Church has consistently endeavored to be a good neighbor to Liberty Station residents and businesses,” said Mark Stevens, the church’s chief operating officer.